Inflatable Kayak?

[cReekFishin]

I'm looking to get a kayak soon but have a few questions. I've been looking at inflatable kayaks mainly because I live in an apartment and don't have anywhere to keep a solid body. It needs to be a two person and relatively easy to fish out of. Plan on taking it down the James and swan creek mostly. I'm also on a budget. Can only spend about $250. I've looked at some Sevylor models but most have very mixed reviews. So are they reliable? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Inflatables have one glaring problem in shallow water, they envelope and grab anything sticking up. They will slide over a smooth surface, but not anything that is uneven. I wouldn't consider a Sevylor because the cost is reflective of the material. Higher priced models, such as NRS, are heavy enough to ward off rough use and hooks.

The bottom line is you can float the James and small parts of Swan, but be prepared for doing more than a little wading.

[RSBreth]

No space, or no cooperation from the other inhabitant? I kept my two man canoe stored in a hallway at one apartment - the Mrs. was fine with it because it beat paying for storage. An average sized hardshell 'Yak would look awesome as a coffee table when it's not wet.

[Nolan_Whaley]

We bought one of the inflatable 2 person kayaks, and i honestly can't recommend it for any serious floating. It's just kinda meh as a spare yak for kids. Hard to paddle, doesn't track worth a flip, and hangs up on everything. Seats are way uncomfortable. It floats, and i think is plenty durable, but i think i'd look at craigslist, ebay, used, whatever for a real kayak even if i had to store it outside.

[Al Agnew]

I've fished from one person inflatable kayaks, but not a two person, so I can't give you a review on them. Basically, though, you get what you pay for, and you ain't gonna get a durable one for $250.

The river where I used the inflatable was a class 2 with a few class 3 rapids, about the size of the Meramec. The things don't track well, and the wind blows them all over the place, but in some ways they are pretty sweet for such rivers, being very maneuverable, tough enough to take bouncing off rocks well, and quite stable. But the one I used was a pretty expensive boat, much more than what you want to pay.

If you're really that limited on space, I'm not sure what you could get for that price that would work well enough.

[fishinwrench]

No space, or no cooperation from the other inhabitant? I kept my two man canoe stored in a hallway at one apartment - the Mrs. was fine with it because it beat paying for storage. An average sized hardshell 'Yak would look awesome as a coffee table when it's not wet.

I like the way this guy thinks.

[fishinSWMO]

No space, or no cooperation from the other inhabitant? I kept my two man canoe stored in a hallway at one apartment - the Mrs. was fine with it because it beat paying for storage. An average sized hardshell 'Yak would look awesome as a coffee table when it's not wet.

I like the way this guy thinks.

I agree.